John E. Todd

TODD, Capt. John E., USA (Ret.), World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran, passed away suddenly at Augusta Health. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jessie F. Todd; two sons, John E. Todd Jr. and Jeffrey S. Todd; two daughters, Cheryl J. Todd and Michell L. Todd; and deceased daughter, Darcel A. Todd; two granddaughters, Jessica L. Halterman and Emerald L. Halterman. John E. Todd was a man of great integrity, strength and high character to all who knew him and in everything he did. He was a blessing to those around him, modeling the love and unconditional acceptance of Christ. Capt. Todd's Air Corps, Army Air Corps, Air Force and Army distinguished career spanned 22 years with the following assignments: World War II B-17 Crew Gunner, Korea 508th RCT (ABN) 27th Infantry Regiment/25th Div-Ranger, 77th Special Forces (ABN), activated 1st Special Forces Group (ABN) Okinawa, Malaya British Far East Land Forces Guerilla Warfare, Korea Special Forces Senior Advisor to ROK 1st Special Forces Group (ABN), Taiwan Special Forces, Senior Special Forces Advisor (CIA-TS) Vietnam-Spl Vn Opn's, Senior Special Forces Advisor Airborne Training to Hawaii SF Detachment, Taiwan Joint Operations with Chinese/U.S. Forces, and completed his Army career in February 1964. During his military career he found time to be a Black Belt Karate/Judo expert and was an active National Rifle Association Instructor. Capt. John E. Todd, USA (Ret.) pursued his love of higher education by earning a B.S. Degree from the University of Maryland in 1965. He was a Government/ Math teacher and assistant football coach at Riverheads High School. John was also a seventh grade elementary school assistant principal. Continuing to pursue higher education he earned a Master's in Education (Special ED) and a Doctoral Degree (Education Specialist) from the University of Virginia. From there John was the superintendent of Virginia Dept. of Mental Health and Mental Retardation staff for the largest unit in the state. Due to his military-connected disabilities he had to resign from that position. John's later years were devoted to his farm and love of his cows. He is dearly loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his family, fellow soldiers and friends. He was a true patriot who was devoted to serving his country. Services with Full Military Honors will be held 9 a.m. Friday, April 30, 2010, at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Disabled Veterans, 210 Franklin Rd. SW, Suite 505, Roanoke, Va. 24011. During his final moments he got to see his granddaughter's flowers, he then left us for a better place. Those wishing to share their memories with the family online may do so at www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com. McDow Funeral Home, Waynesboro is handling arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.